tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54993592011-08-17T04:00:13.851+01:00"It's typical Charlton - it's all 'nicely, nicely' with the 'Red, Red Robin' and all that" Alan Pardew, 6 Jan 2008Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comBlogger10811100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-69674882752589127152010-03-16T01:07:00.003Z2010-03-16T01:16:49.316Z

When you can't find the words, let someone else say them for you.She ain't wrong, though.What happened? Why can't we arrest a slump in the team? Why is the spirit in the side so seemingly non-existent? Why do things feel so bleak... even though we still seem fairly comfortable for play-offs? Did we expect too much? Or has the manager and team let us down again? And what can we change on a budget

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-43284513715700034932010-01-15T03:14:00.005Z2010-01-15T03:24:48.755Z

Sorry for the huge gap in posts. And don't even ask what's happened to the comments. Actually, all will be explained about the comments soon.In the meantime, here's a man in the 1980s wisely preserving his moments of Liverpool being good. Will somebody please tell the media that Liverpool won't ever be in a crisis until the receivers' padlock is wrapped around the Shankly gates? Someone, please?

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-8503850576136754982009-12-17T19:08:00.003Z2009-12-17T19:52:42.087Z

Not much to complain about over the past few weeks, eh? You know what? I'm actually enjoying this season. Football's become what it should be - something to help us escape from everyday life. We know we're financially secure for this season at least, and there's the hope we will be in future ones. Is it the fact that we're winning so much which is making League One enjoyable? Or is it being back

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-51450289894975616712009-11-08T21:06:00.004Z2009-11-08T22:55:49.012Z

"One day, he'll be able to say, 'I was there...'"The youngest of the All Quiet travelling party had just been dropped off and we were winding our way through the streets of Eltham, his uncle rediscovering his swearing muscles and telling us why he'd taken the youngster to the match. In football, it's best to get your disappointments out the way early. At five, it's unlikely he'll remember much of

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-41323009643375408102009-10-23T18:52:00.003+01:002009-10-23T19:30:04.875+01:00

Sorry for the lack of posting recently - the slow burn of the third tier doesn't do much to spark a desire to hold forth on this and that. And, to be honest, the Thrilling Big Match Action has spoken for itself.Firstly, there was the drudgery of the Oldham game. What did we do to deserve that? The Latics proudly parked a fleet of buses in front of our goal, and we struggled. A week later,

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-11927004888421748292009-09-30T00:33:00.002+01:002009-09-30T01:31:37.266+01:00

Ladies, gentlemen, I return from Essex with news. We are mortal, my friends, and as liable to a deserved stuffing as the worst of them.If it wasn't for being in rollickingly good company, Tuesday's trip up the A12 would have been swiftly consigned to the bin marked "bad memories". We overcame dreadful traffic conditions to get to the Care In The Community Stadium on time... except there's no

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-42685141129845254062009-09-17T02:16:00.002+01:002009-09-17T02:44:39.668+01:00

A potentially significant moment in Charlton's history took place on Tuesday night - I nearly missed it, eyelids drooping due to jetlag (thanks to Stuart for holding the fort while I swanned around the US and Canada), but it definitely happened. The Charlton Athletic Supporters Trust has been given fans' backing.Well, I say that, but only about 20 people bothered to show up at the Charlton

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-81379793750108297362009-09-14T16:42:00.003+01:002009-09-14T17:05:18.109+01:00

As many will be aware, some people believe that an independent Trust should be set-up to deal with the uncertainty that surrounds Charlton's finances and long-term ownership. Personally I remain on the fence about the pros and cons. But the idea seems to have got a shot in the arm today, with the announcement that a mystery Charlton shareholder has 'donated' 524,894 shares. The press release

Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03107430374590874851noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-59724389019497116832009-09-12T10:58:00.002+01:002009-09-12T11:47:57.504+01:00

Well, will you be booing? I personally don't know. He didn't do his job and deserved to go, but are we making him shoulder more than his fair share of blame? Either way, I'm wary of his return. His record against previous employers means no-one should expect a walkover against our fellow travellers from the Championship, Southampton. The thrashing of West Ham that arguably gave us false hope of

Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03107430374590874851noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-7526536466864359832009-08-29T19:35:00.004+01:002009-09-01T19:47:42.988+01:00

Is the deadline passed? Can I count our midfield and not see some conspicuous holes? Sad to see Yassin Moutaouakil leave. I always thought he looked quality. But good lord, players IN. Anyone care to comment on quality or otherwise? Have we bought another member of the walking wounded in Leon McKenzie? And of course I'm sure AQITES' large Rhyl-based readership will have a view on Luke

Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03107430374590874851noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-20200617981730395812009-08-27T10:40:00.002+01:002009-08-27T10:43:47.259+01:00

"You're too excited," the doctor said. "You're top of the league, and you can't cope with the change in emotion. You didn't even write anything after the Walsall match, for heaven's sake. I suggest you take a holiday. A long one."So Stuart gets the keys to the shop and the Twitter feed between now and, er, some time after the Southampton match. Let's hope things are still going well - and

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-15010762576418635832009-08-15T18:57:00.002+01:002009-08-15T19:43:30.689+01:00

Free wi-fi on trains? Whatever next, Charlton winning away? Welcome aboard the Grand Central service to Kings Cross, where I'm slunk in an unsociable corner hunched over a tiny laptop. Every now and then, there's a sing-song - because Charlton won away. (in fact, as I type, two are being turfed off the train at York...I didn't go home after the Hereford match, instead opting to use our first two

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-79161739820916804432009-08-11T12:59:00.005+01:002009-08-11T13:10:56.070+01:00

It's a lovely sunny Tuesday in SE7, and can you feel a sense of anticipation in the air? A takeover announcement, perhaps?The Mail on Sunday carried a short story saying things were just about dusted and things were due to be announced early this week. Tuesday's been a date I've heard, but it strikes me as a bit daft to be adding further fuel to the rumour fire. Especially as it's just turned 1pm

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-45788176832850942842009-08-08T12:40:00.003+01:002009-08-08T12:59:20.459+01:00

As usual, I've completely failed in the task of writing a preview for the new season. Even got scooped to my own Charlton Pathe newsreels post that I didn't get around to writing. Times is hard.It's hard to say anything about the next season with much certainty, though. Off the pitch, we've turned into a mini-Newcastle, a basket case waiting to be rescued. But somewhere out of this, some money

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-80153857002636933632009-07-16T13:55:00.002+01:002009-07-16T14:22:50.810+01:00

In response to the current crisis, former supporters' director Ben Hayes has called a meeting to discuss setting up a supporters' trust for 7pm on 4 August at Charlton Conservative Club, Charlton Church Lane.More on this Charlton Life thread.If you want inspiration, look here. We've history to live up to.

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-12183995846628715842009-07-12T02:35:00.003+01:002009-07-12T02:55:29.288+01:00

I stuck this response to the Mail on Sunday's claim we're close to administration on Charlton Life, and I should probably stick it here too.Here's how I see it. I've returned too late from the pub to add much new, but hopefully this brings some threads together.1. The Mail on Sunday has impeccable contacts within and around Charlton Athletic.2. Unattributed quotes *often* come from journalists'

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-34210505209180350222009-07-09T11:27:00.003+01:002009-07-09T12:17:19.559+01:00

While some of you were braving the elements at Park View Road last night, I braved the crush at the bar in the Lord John Russell in Bloomsbury, drinking in good company and plotting for the future.There are many, many better things to do at the moment than worry about Charlton Athletic. The reason I packed the blog in during February is that the last thing I needed was to depress myself, and

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-2913554248878341262009-06-17T12:03:00.002+01:002009-06-17T12:37:29.779+01:00

These kids are up for the new third division season - are you?It's good to be back - what have I missed? Relegation, you say? I dunno, all I see are the same old miserable faces I saw a few months back. Are you sure all that much has changed?Fixture list day remains, though, a day that can puncture the gloom of most miseryguts. Years back, it was the only reason to buy an evening paper. Now, for

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-2935578302363023042009-04-18T17:49:00.002+01:002009-04-18T17:51:32.662+01:00

Listen!Bring on the fixture list - and bring on a fresh start. Come on you reds!

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-85644860447120816492009-02-09T20:26:00.002Z2009-02-09T20:32:17.502Z

You might have noticed a drying-up of posts lately - as mentioned before, watching and thinking about Charlton Athletic haven't been experiences I've been in a hurry to revisit, the Palace victory aside.With relegation looking likely, I'm going to put this site on hold to regroup and reassess things, and to gather some strength for the climb out of League One. You'll still find some of my

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-90058641837932434462009-01-27T23:20:00.002Z2009-01-27T23:32:31.759Z

Bloody hell, how good was that? 1-0 against the Palace, and we were simply too strong for them, putting in the kind of performance that hasn't been seen at home since maybe the day we beat Reading. For me, it was two of our loan stars who shone the brightest - Matthew Spring's goal was of the kind we've been praying for all season, while I thought ex-Nigels star Tom Soares was terrific. Also

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-32955397454665109392009-01-26T22:17:00.002Z2009-01-26T22:27:34.068Z

I suppose the result of tomorrow's match against Palace will set the tone for the rest of the season - a surprise win could set up The Great Escape, another defeat will lead to more unhelpful recriminations. The dimwitted plan to have the match at 7.45pm on a Tuesday, colliding with the evening rush hour, isn't going to help matters - and won't win the club any friends among its neighbours.Still,

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-75101756633010625132009-01-19T21:27:00.002Z2009-01-19T22:04:51.457Z

In an attempt to bypass my current inability to say anything sensible about Charlton's current plight, All Quiet In The East Stand is going to take a feed of stories from the official site, cafc.co.uk. Hope you enjoy them - here's the first.Charlton striker Izale McLeod enjoyed a winning start to life on loan at Millwall as the Lions snatched a 1-0 win over Tranmere Rovers on Saturday.After a

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-86124443833279610642009-01-19T00:54:00.002Z2009-01-19T00:58:17.781Z

Normal Charlton service was resumed with a defeat at Sheffield Wednesday which was, by all accounts, abysmal. Did I go? Nope. I can't really add anything that hasn't been said already, and I just feel spent with the whole thing, really.So, in the meantime, here's an amusing video of some kittens.See, that made you smile a bit, didn't it? Oh...

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-42210964779639131792009-01-13T21:48:00.003Z2009-01-13T22:03:41.106Z

We won! We beat a team! If only it was a league match... but you've got to take your bonuses where you can get them. And it does prove we can beat other Championship sides, even if it's one as crap as Norwich. Sheffield United beckon at Brammall Lane in the fourth round.Not had much time to digest the annual report and the Forest farrago, a gigantic huge thinky post may follow soon, if you're

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-1199626680729915782009-01-04T23:34:00.002Z2009-01-04T23:40:20.709Z

After yesterday's draw with Norwich (some encouraging bits, like Jonjo Shelvey, and some bad bits, like Parky's oddly-handled substitutions), a worrying story in the Mail on Sunday. This doesn't appear online, but was fished out by the Charlton Life forum.Great Dane too dear for The ValleyBy Mick CollinsCharlton Athletic are fighting for their Championship survival but are unable to field a

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-6664444732429368302008-12-31T14:33:00.003Z2008-12-31T15:20:23.090Z

Uh-oh, we're in trouble...Charlton have placed their trust in Phil Parkinson to steer the club away from the wrong end of the Championship table, the club announced on Wednesday.Parkinson, who has been overseeing first-team matters on a caretaker basis, has now been confirmed as the club's permanent new manager.And football club board chairman Richard Murray has revealed that Charlton will be

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-28592580000517957702008-12-27T19:48:00.003Z2008-12-27T20:10:40.268Z

Merry Christmas! So, what did you get for the festive season? Well, aside from a point against Queen's Park Rangers, I got myself a Teach Yourself Relegation kit. It's so easy, even a four-year-old could learn it. It's great - just the other day, I was reasonably optimistic, but today, we're going down! Yes, bring on Leyton Orient, we're on our merry way to League One! Hooray! Balls to the

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-87037078561317787782008-12-22T00:15:00.000Z2008-12-22T00:15:00.589Z

A couple of weeks ago, a journalist spoke to me about Charlton's plight. As far I'm aware, because I didn't stamp my feet and accuse Steve Waggott, Derek Chappell and Phil Parkinson of ruining my Christmas, my quotes weren't used.But I was asked who I thought should be the next Charlton manager. Shit. I've no idea. Most managers are tossers, aren't they? Erm, erm, erm...."Well, I'd like to see go

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-70254045125271448192008-12-21T09:11:00.006Z2008-12-21T09:56:35.250Z

As if a stinking cold didn't have me feeling low enough, I checked the football results. Another perfunctory Charlton defeat. This post isn't about how bad it is now. But to draw attention to the heart and soul of football, beating, of all the places, at Luton Town. One of the few teams who have genuine cause to feel sorry for themselves following a 30 point deduction at the start of the season

Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03107430374590874851noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-58750077508459817872008-12-11T22:34:00.002Z2008-12-11T23:08:09.323Z

You've got to hand it to them. On a night when many would have preferred to return to their warm homes to prepare for Christmas, Steve Waggott, commercial director Steve Sutherland and managing director Steve Kavanagh prepared to face the fans.Well, all 15 or so of them, anyway. The three Steves had agreed to chat before a supporters' club quiz night. The low attendance probably had more to do

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-40654169567858471312008-12-10T10:43:00.003Z2008-12-10T10:49:51.116Z

As it descended into farce in the stands, we lost another football game.

Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03107430374590874851noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-68802765543270696242008-12-08T01:17:00.001Z2008-12-08T01:19:47.463Z

You can walk my path, you can wear my shoesLearn to talk like me and be an angel tooBut maybe you ain't never gonna feel this wayYou ain't never gonna know me, but i know youI'm singing it now-Things can only get betterThey can only get better if we see it through-that means me and I mean you tooSo teach me now that things can only get better,They can only get, they only get, take it on from

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-72305247047043924892008-12-02T22:57:00.002Z2008-12-02T23:14:34.506Z

A few days on from the 0-0 against Southampton, how are you feeling? I didn't post after Saturday's match because I couldn't quite work out how I felt, but I'm feeling cautiously optimistic. Is Phil Parkinson the man to pull us out of this mess? I don't know, but...- He's already got the team playing differently. More passing, a little more fluid.- His signings so far have been good. Keith

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-67819387945008172382008-11-26T01:10:00.001Z2008-11-26T01:14:54.293Z

Oh dear. Oh no...Thing is, we started out so well. It's weird to think that until we fell asleep for Blackstock's second, that was the most enjoyable Charlton match I've been to for months.The passing was good, we seemed to have lost the fear, the crowd was tremendous, Jose Semedo worked his arse off and it was great to see Racon back (he deserved that goal). Gillespie adds some much needed balls

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-9756957018742513452008-11-25T12:13:00.004Z2008-11-25T12:51:46.288Z

So, I had Sky Sports News on during Sunday, and a familiar-sounding voice emerged from the telly. Hold on, he's got some front speaking so quickly, hasn't he? I turned around...... and it was Phil Parkinson. Doesn't he sound just like his former boss? (Even though he was born in Lancashire?) This is the problem that many Charlton fans will have with Parky - he could still be Alan Pardew's man,

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-64495297256560144402008-11-22T18:56:00.004Z2008-11-22T19:46:35.645Z

All Quiet In The East Stand understands Alan Pardew has left Charlton, and Phil Parkinson will be in charge for the game at QPR on Tuesday.I might even go to Loftus Road now...1940: Confirmed - "mutual consent" yada yada yada. I'm off down the pub.

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-76869630069738679032008-11-22T18:39:00.002Z2008-11-22T18:52:03.071Z

Rumours flying around as I type about Alan Pardew's future - the performance in most of today's 5-2 defeat to Sheffield United would suggest he doesn't have one. Except that spell in the second half when we seemed to play with a bit less fear than before. cafc.co.uk is creaking, which feels like an omninous sign...When the end does come, it's going to be bitter. Today's programmes carries a

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-57707322116126602692008-11-22T11:26:00.005Z2008-11-22T21:42:02.256Z

Charlton manager Alan Pardew told BBC London 94.9: "We really need the fans to stay strong for us. If we don't come up to standard and we don't get the result, then by all means the criticism can come at the end. We can't have them turn against us during the game. It is going to be a problem for us, and certainly Sheffield United will play on that." I think he's begging.

Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03107430374590874851noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-7585244572047353702008-11-07T22:49:00.010Z2008-11-07T23:36:38.404Z

I considered travelling to Plymouth this weekend, my first away trip in some time. The knock on effect of flying back from the Canaries put paid to any thoughts of a four hour plus trip to the west country though. While umming and ahhing, a chance remark from my other half made me think. "I can't imagine how much you'd have to love Charlton to travel that far for less than two hours," she said.

Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03107430374590874851noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-15353921434516916242008-11-01T16:26:00.002Z2008-11-01T16:54:21.502Z

As I type this now, it's nearly half-past four, and I'm in my front room, a quarter of a mile from The Valley. A little while ago, I heard "Charlton 'till I die!..." echo around the streets outside on this miserable, cold afternoon. I've decided not to turn the telly or radio on, but listen out for the crowd instead. But I can hear nothing, just the pitter-patter of rain outside.(Ah, after Hudson

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-76376067571037070642008-10-25T13:53:00.000+01:002008-10-25T13:57:08.249+01:00

Well the last few weeks have been fun haven't they? First we were quids in, now reports suggest we're £20m in hock. But that's just been a sideshow to the team's slide on the pitch. We've been plunging downwards in tandem with the financial markets. It all came to a head for me today though, with a fan comment included in this BBC report of the Dubai pull-out. I understand the sentiment, but

Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03107430374590874851noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-76070189213824333602008-10-21T22:09:00.002+01:002008-10-21T22:28:43.786+01:00

I don't even want to look at the table. After tonight's 2-0 defeat to Bristol City, I didn't even want to hang around to the bitter end like I usually do.There's definitely a sickness surrounding The Valley. And no, it's not the cold I still can't properly shake off. Yes, it's the crowd - who turned as soon as Lee Trundle scored that simple, simple goal - but yes, it's the team too, unable to

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-87838811984091645232008-10-11T23:38:00.001+01:002008-10-11T23:40:22.356+01:00

So where were you when you first heard about the tentative deal for Zabeel Investments to buy Charlton? I had yesterday off work, had a big night on Thursday, and wandered off for a little siesta at about half-past four before heading out again. Two-and-a-bit hours later, my phone was full of messages, my upstairs neighbour heard some dazed, sleepy bloke downstairs yell something unprintable, and

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-61353589219732617922008-10-11T01:55:00.002+01:002008-10-11T02:00:11.338+01:00

THE GUARDIAN: Charlton Athletic were last night the subject of a takeover bid by the Maktoum family in a deal that would seem to end Dubai's interest in Liverpool.The Valley club's efforts to play down the deal last night by insisting there is "no certainty" that the "indicative" bid will become a formal offer will not restrain unbridled excitement in south-east London. The involvement of Sheikh

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-50381142459997117022008-10-11T01:03:00.004+01:002008-10-11T01:25:55.169+01:00

Well, someone close to Inspector Sands, anyway...Charlton fan A fumin, no arabs for charlton please!! fuck off with your dirty oil money! 22:49 FriCharlton fan B is wearing a tea towel on his head. Give us your money Dubai! 20.56 FriNewcastle fan A is laughing at toon, Mike Ashley has lost another Arab, this time to Charlatan hahahaha. 20:22 FriCharlton fan C is wondering if he should have 8

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-66242178097579315292008-10-10T19:21:00.002+01:002008-10-10T19:24:29.343+01:00

I really haven't a clue what to make of this.But oh, my word... it could be an exciting future ahead - but a scary one too.Anyone else think the rescue boat's pulled up, and we've no choice but to get in it - whatever the risks? Hmmm. More on this later, one I've been to the pub had a proper think...

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-76156056874535085732008-09-30T23:48:00.002+01:002008-10-01T00:12:41.540+01:00

Well, 12 years of barely-challenged supremacy had to come to an end at some point, but tonight's limp defeat at Sellout left a nasty taste in my mouth. I think plenty of us, in all honesty, saw it coming. I think I did too - defeat's sometimes better taken on your own, and I ended up perched towards the foot of the grotty-as-ever Arthur Waite stand, and ended up walking out seven minutes before

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-15136809505277499892008-09-28T23:49:00.002+01:002008-09-29T00:16:03.514+01:00

"Crisis" is an over-used word in football. When your badly-run bank has to be taken over by the government, that's a crisis. When your football team doesn't win a match, it's a mere misfortune. But I'm not alone in feeling something deeper is amiss at Charlton right now. But I can't put my finger on what's quite wrong.I should have known we'd lose yesterday when that pillock of a pitch announcer

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-29223469117938812472008-09-14T22:22:00.002+01:002008-09-14T22:57:04.620+01:00

There was a different context to this weekend's match for me. As some readers may know already, I was in the Midlands last week at the funeral of a Wolves-supporting pal of mine who I was hoping to have seen at yesterday's match. Think it's desolate in Wolverhampton on a matchday? You try it on a wet Tuesday morning when you're in a black suit. But there's a certain class attached to the old gold

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-37535518134497447752008-08-31T23:52:00.002+01:002008-09-01T00:51:23.156+01:00

I spent Saturday cursing our clapped-out rail network for preventing me from making an easy journey to Preston - who else was tempted to make the trip after our defeat of Reading?But later on, I was praising our terrible trains for saving me from seeing a match in which, by all accounts, we were very much second best. However, it wasn't as if I could hear very much of it, since BBC London decided

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-37732805853674220152008-08-31T21:39:00.001+01:002008-08-31T21:41:33.889+01:00

A public information announcement...Following Newcastle United chairman Mike Ashley’s Ashburton Grove appearance in the Toon end with pint in hand, the Football Supporters’ Federation is looking for any fans ejected and/or prosecuted for drinking in sight of the pitch this past weekend to come forward.Drinking alcohol is sight of the playing area at professional football matches has been banned

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-26867891368280296212008-08-24T10:06:00.003+01:002008-08-24T11:26:05.931+01:00

A fledgling Charlton side came out on top in a highly entertaining early kick off at the Valley. But is this the birth of a good side? Just what did we learn from playing what was a largely intact Premiership side in Reading FC?The Inspector was at the game in body but not in spirit, having heard of the untimely death of a friend, so my observations will have to do. Charlton seemed to get at

Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03107430374590874851noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-46812113295879733082008-08-16T20:32:00.002+01:002008-08-16T20:51:49.792+01:00

Proper reports: cafc.co.uk, BBC SportHmmmmmmm. Going down to a soft goal (Jonathan Fortune, what were you doing?) I can kind of, sort of take. Because these things happen. And you can fight back from those. But having the match totally skewed by a bad ref, a linesman who didn't want to correct him, and the tedious, time-wasting antics of Aidy Boothroyd's golden shower is a tought one to

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-31031715545385297032008-08-12T22:15:00.003+01:002008-08-12T23:00:12.748+01:00

Well, as a choice of entertainment this evening, there wasn't really much choice. There was Bonekickers on BBC1, the tale of a group of young, inexperienced group of hunters delivering bad lines and stumbling into stupid situations they should really have avoided. And at The Valley...Yup, the booing cowards in the stands got the result they wished for as a youthful Charlton side stumbled out of

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-55872898628329518702008-08-11T23:18:00.003+01:002008-08-11T23:53:30.957+01:00

Just for the benefit of those pillocks who keep moaning about us selling players, may I present Mr Richard Murray in the South London Press... CHARLTON chairman Richard Murray has admitted that the Addicks could have gone into administration if the directors had not pumped £15million into the club.“If the directors hadn’t put in that money, it would have been a very dire situation for us,” Murray

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-47036924382350517952008-08-09T12:36:00.002+01:002008-08-09T12:54:58.834+01:00

I was talking to a West Ham fan in the pub last night."Fing is, about Charlton, is the atmosphere down there's shit.""I know. They get on the players' backs too early. If we don't win the first couple of matches, it'll get nasty.""They don't get behind the team.""I know. But most Charlton fans are a load of old...- ""But why is that?""Because they're a load of old...-""I'd have Pardew back any

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-23861655288426450102008-08-08T12:21:00.002+01:002008-08-08T12:23:43.841+01:00

From Stoke City's official site:Charlton Athletic star Amdy Faye has joined the Potters on trial and could feature in this evening's game against Osasuna.Faye, 31, is a Senegalese international having represented his country on 18 occasions.The talented midfielder [hahaha] spent part of last season on loan at Scottish giants Rangers, where he went on to make a number of appearances including one

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-70854192319549985352008-08-08T09:57:00.003+01:002008-08-08T10:05:05.053+01:00

Please, please, let this story from the Mail be true.Stoke are close to sealing a £1m deal for Charlton midfielder Amdy Faye.City boss Tony Pulis is desperate to add top-flight experience to his promoted squad and Faye, 31, has played in the Premier League at Portsmouth and Newcastle as well as Charlton. The Senegalese spent last season on loan at Rangers.That's it. Well-known hack Sportsmail

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-76533096417769225922008-08-07T21:21:00.006+01:002008-08-07T21:49:58.719+01:00

A bumper crop to start what'll hopefully be a regular feature...- Guess what - the kits are selling out! (cafc.co.uk) Yup, people moan about them, but they still buy them in their droves...- Mark Hudson is our new captain (cafc.co.uk) Guess what! I've just seen a bear leaving the woods wiping his bum!- Pards - lessons have been learned (cafc.co.uk) They'd better have been. See also the South

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-13101709952546361292008-08-07T19:42:00.003+01:002008-08-07T20:20:08.445+01:00

It's been a while, hasn't it? Welcome back to All Quiet In The East Stand after a fitful summer of sporadic updates. Frankly, there hasn't really been much to say, has there? To be honest, it was touch and go whether or not I'd carry on with the site or not, but one thing I had decided was that if I did carry on, I'd tart it up a bit.So yeah, isn't the banner above classy? One hitch at the moment

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-16660839304804466192008-07-16T22:17:00.002+01:002008-07-16T22:29:19.398+01:00

"At the time I spoke to Cardiff and the manager there, the club seemed very excited about signing me. They're striving to get into the Premiership by building the new stadium and such like. But for me personally when Birmingham came in it was lot more appealing because I think it's more likely that Birmingham are going to get back into the Premiership." - Marcus Bent, 16/7/08

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-25552124157981564852008-07-08T23:20:00.002+01:002008-07-08T23:39:42.898+01:00

Friendly: Bromley 1-0 Charlton - cafc.co.uk reportCharlton started their 2008/09 preparations with a whimper as we went down 1-0 to Bromley at Hayes Lane. Not the most engrossing of matches, a small-ish crowd, but a decent evening to lollop around and wonder just who the blimmin' heck it is wearing that number 4 shirt. And, in my case, to miraculously manage to throw the ball back to Bromley's

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-39713479995456814922008-07-07T22:09:00.002+01:002008-07-07T22:24:03.554+01:00

Euro 2008 is just a memory now, and Wimbledon's just over, so naturally, our thoughts turn to... the start of the pre-season. Yup, it all starts again at Hayes Lane, Bromley, at 7.45pm on Tuesday. Now, the traditional curtain-raiser is at Welling - as it is on Wednesday. But I can't make that, so I'm kicking off 2008/09 by heading south to Hayes Lane. In theory, it's a reserve friendly, but

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-65509859512685870592008-06-17T22:59:00.002+01:002008-06-17T23:18:41.424+01:00

For those whining about our kits next season (for heaven sake, it's a bloody football kit, it doesn't matter that much) here's the genius way Conference side Stevenage Borough are advertising their new kit...Stevenage Borough are pleased to confirm the arrival of the new home kit for the forthcoming season.Doesn't that make the heart beat that bit faster?

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-54992169931564732382008-06-16T21:48:00.002+01:002008-06-16T22:13:55.194+01:00

Fixtures day's just magic, isn't it? Suddenly, the pain of last season fades, and the bright optimism of a shiny new season takes centre stage. Swansea, under bright blue skies, at The Valley on 9 August. The unlikely seems just a tad romantic. Heavens, even having Yeovil in the League Cup's started to make my mouth water a bit. (Hey, we'll probably lose.)Indeed, the return of the Swans for the

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-49846823766604982572008-06-11T22:08:00.004+01:002008-06-11T22:41:09.587+01:00

Oh, my, was it all a dream? The last time I was awake, I was reading this...The loan signing of Scott Sinclair from Chelsea could turn out to be a magnificent piece of business. He’s a young lad, but he’s unbelievably talented and will be a serious asset for us in the remaining games. His pace, skill and eye for goal will frighten other teams... (more)... and then that was it! Gone! Out! Sparko!

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-63878803941921088372008-05-30T15:09:00.008+01:002008-05-30T15:33:15.949+01:00

Just blowing the dust off the old blog while the Inspector is blowing the froth off a cold one in foreign climes. Anyone else suffering football withdrawal? Fixtures ain't out until 16th June and new season isn't until 9th August. Sodding Euro 2008. Football hibernation seemed to come early to Charlton this season and despite the Champion's league and play-off finals I feel like I've been

Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03107430374590874851noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-15327089623395852542008-05-12T22:14:00.002+01:002008-05-12T22:34:21.669+01:00

And for the avoidance of doubt, yes, Fulham's survival is still f***ing pissing me off.But more seriously, Danny Murphy's header deprived us of what would probably be a beatable London rival in the Championship. It's hard to see Mohamed al-Fayed propping up a second-tier Fulham, and their win at Portsmouth may well have saved the club. For now. So alongside Derby, we'll have the trickier

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-17107751826485180012008-05-05T23:29:00.002+01:002008-05-05T23:49:34.242+01:00

Not a dry eye in the house on Sunday. Funny, before Chris Powell netted his last goal for Charlton, we were musing on what would happen if we were granted a penalty - seconds later, that question was an academic one.Chris Powell's cameo was a nice touch from an unsentimental manager - but Alan Pardew's decision to replace Jonjo Shelvey, who'd had a scintillating home debut, with the veteran

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-39600403007392780452008-04-25T11:41:00.002+01:002008-04-25T11:54:27.703+01:00

Charlton are due to play MK Dons in a friendly at the end of July, All Quiet In The East Stand has heard via sources at Franchise FC. This seems to have a ring of truth about it - it's apparently a hangover from the Izale McLeod signing - which is why I'm publishing this rumour. I'd dearly like to be wrong, but...We've been here before, of course - fan outrage saw a proposed friendly against the

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-16367168055036464242008-04-25T11:24:00.002+01:002008-04-25T11:40:06.856+01:00

Did you see Peter Varney doing the rounds yesterday? Here he is on Sky Sports News and on BBC London talking about the inequality the Premier League has created."If we played Manchester United at the Valley on a Wednesday and Wigan Athletic on a Saturday, we would now in the future play a weakened side against Manchester United because we would see the Wigan game as being the vital game in terms

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-57691183227870102932008-04-21T00:01:00.000+01:002008-04-21T00:00:27.225+01:00

And so, at Loftus Road at about ten to five, we succumbed to the inevitable. A 1-0 defeat by Queen's Park Rangers, together with Palace winning at Watford, extinguished the play-off flame for this season. Did I stand and mourn? Did I rant and rave? Did I heck. I was already on the Central Line.One of the difficulties of the second half of the season has been that almost every single match I've

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-92139606273524074622008-04-14T23:19:00.002+01:002008-04-14T23:21:20.616+01:00

Apologies for the continued lack of updates - real life's got in the way and it's been hard to come up with any new observations about things. Back once I've worked out the quickest route to Swansea City. Off which junction of the M4 was it again?

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-46220028568468674432008-03-31T22:03:00.004+01:002008-03-31T22:57:30.969+01:00

You'll have noticed that over the past few months, updates to this site have been pretty patchy - it's been tough work following a side which has used 35 players this season, and the atmosphere at The Valley has been so poor, matches haven't had atmospheres I've really wanted to revisit.I clocked the first boos against Wolves at about 28 minutes in, three minutes before Greg Halford's equaliser.

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-71126994119272733382008-03-24T23:40:00.003Z2008-03-25T00:19:34.211Z

If it hadn't been hammered home in August, it was hammered home over an Easter weekend which saw us fall to 10th - 11 points behind leaders Stoke, 13 in front of third-from-bottom Sheffield Wednesday. We're strictly second division.Funny, really - as the rain tipped down over The Valley and a painful draw with West Brom, I reflected that I'd come home from a trip to Valencia to catch this rubbish

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-53859290367774613292008-03-20T14:57:00.005Z2008-03-20T15:27:11.321Z

I'm back in the chair for a short while, since the Inspector is relaxing in his luxury Llanera property on the Costa del Kent. Why is the second most despised person in football, Neil Warnock, so keen to tap up Scott Sinclair? The lad looks to have pace to burn but the run outs he's had so far have, if I'm being kind, been more than a touch underwhelming. Moving away from the human choad that

Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03107430374590874851noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-86390287703448332712008-03-15T20:33:00.003Z2008-03-15T21:10:22.572Z

When the going gets tough, the crap stop updating their blogs, and so after the gutless defeat to Preston, I was a bit lost for words. So I left it until after Burnley. But we lost that too, so I kept my head down. Even if, it appears, we played rather well.I still approached Ipswich with a sense of trepidation - and when someone last week suggested a trip to Chelmsford v AFC Wimbledon, I

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-90301880442012234292008-03-12T00:07:00.002Z2008-03-12T00:09:54.815Z

Dear, oh dear. Anyone want an Ipswich ticket for Saturday?

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-63749236582199724292008-03-04T23:15:00.003Z2008-03-04T23:33:26.136Z

So what the blinkin' heck was all that about, eh?A perplexing match against a shower of nasty buggers who we should have beaten. Bristol City do have skill, but they match it with getting in your face and causing trouble. Considering the divide between the allegedly "skillful" teams in the Championship (us, West Brom) and the "anti-football" sides (Hull, Stoke), it's a funny blend of the two, but

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-87858579357980310032008-03-03T22:37:00.002Z2008-03-03T22:52:53.569Z

See, my avoidance strategy worked. Instead of being hunched over the internet, trying to follow some commentary, I went out into the fresh air (what's that all about)... and we won. Victory at Sheffield United will keep the moaners at bay for a while - and in 24 hours, I hope that's true this time tomorrow after we face Bristol City, and I hope we get to see Scott Sinclair make his home debut as

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-67654052129078999432008-02-27T23:18:00.003Z2008-02-27T23:43:19.451Z

A nippy night at The Valley for disappointing 2-1 defeat in the Youth Cup to Sunderland. It wasn't a bad match, actually, but while we looked a bit more creative, the Mackems were a bit more brutal when it mattered (and when it didn't) and we blew too many chances and looked exhausted by the end. Still, hopefully they'll learn from the experience. A bumper crowd of 1,840 - including a noisy

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-25357220242312343132008-02-23T13:09:00.003Z2008-02-23T13:40:38.185Z

Yup, an old theme, but one that's becoming a right pain in the arse when I can't make away games.So, at half-time in a couple of recent matches, we're treated to footage from an ITV local news programme called Meridian Tonight, about some community good works going on somewhere in Kent. According to this list, I'd have to go somewhere beyond Gravesend if I wanted to watch this on my telly. It all

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-34186261006678287042008-02-21T22:16:00.001Z2008-02-21T22:25:44.592Z

(or try here. Well, I'm not going to Blackpool, so...)

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-52088392052885766632008-02-16T23:07:00.003Z2008-02-16T23:34:48.453Z

"Doctor, I've come down with something.""Oh, what now?""It's the malady... it's the Championship, doctor. It's getting me down.""Ah. So not the Premiership malaise. Tell me what you're suffering.""It's... oh, it's the crushing pointlessness of it all! It's having to play some oik from Crystal Palace who reckons the league's crap... but his team stinks the place out themselves! It's midweek 0-0

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-87242080853865093302008-02-08T22:46:00.000Z2008-02-08T22:49:13.345Z

"A good fight is not one you put up, it's the one you win" - Simon Jordan, August 2007.

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-10831871274806149762008-02-08T22:45:00.000Z2008-02-08T23:18:16.080Z

Want to see how seriously the Premier League takes your views on its plans to turn the top tier into a global circus?Send a blank e-mail to feedback@premierleague.com. Or ask them what their favourite colour is, or if Richard Scudamore is a boxers or Y-fronts man. Or send them your photos from our win over Palace. Or if they want anything from the shops.And see what happens...

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-55025657509411267972008-02-07T23:36:00.000Z2008-02-07T23:40:40.212Z

"It's typical Charlton," said Pardew, who also cited Kevin Lisbie's cosy return to The Valley last week. "It's all 'nicely, nicely' with the 'Red, Red Robin' and all that. It's a club that is quite friendly to their returning players, which is quite irritating for me" - Daily Telegraph, 7 January 2008"I know there were Charlton fans who had an issue about the travelling and the arrangements for

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-64798762790574458332008-02-07T23:15:00.000Z2008-02-07T23:35:16.844Z

You see, if this was a good blog, I'd be getting all excited about the visit of the infidel Palace. But something that's happened today makes me wondered why - apart from treading them back into the filth, of course - why any of us are bothering.The English Premier League is considering the idea of staging some matches around the rest of the world.At a meeting in London on Thursday, all 20 clubs

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-23305733459384155102008-02-02T23:54:00.000Z2008-02-03T00:10:21.364Z

Oh, fercryingoutloud... well, it seemed a good idea at the time. All up to Scunthorpe, for the match which probably defines our relegation. Glanford Park is tiny. There must be grounds in the Conference bigger than that. In fact, it reminded me a little of a visit to Stevenage Borough. This is the league we deserve to play in, and so this is where we should go.We nearly sold that away end out. As

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-86129493948618523602008-02-01T23:46:00.000Z2008-02-01T23:44:09.713Z

Like I said earlier in the week, last Saturday I went to Dartford's new ground, Princes Park, to see them win 1-0 and maintain their hold on top of the Isthmian League's first division (northern-and-Dartford bit). And you know what struck me there? The sense of community. A shared purpose. A club shop displaying old programmes from the Watling Street and exiled days, little kids bashing into my

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-71055873505503113622008-01-31T20:12:00.000Z2008-01-31T20:42:49.394Z

So, it happened.Sunderland have signed Andy Reid from Charlton in a deal worth up to £4m (subject to team and player performance). The Black Cats pushed through the signing this evening, just hours before the transfer window closes at midnight tonight. (more)I'm gutted, to be frank. He's a gifted player, and a top chap to boot. But business is business. It's (up to - I'd like to know the

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-61777195889680306852008-01-30T23:04:00.000Z2008-01-30T23:12:21.251Z

Oh, will Cork's most famous dog-walker please sod off?Sunderland are understood to have launched a bid to sign Charlton's Andy Reid. The Black Cats have failed with numerous bids to land Stephen Hunt from Reading and manager Roy Keane now looks to have turned his attentions elsewhere. The 25-year-old, who can operate down the left or through the midfield similar to Hunt, has been a key

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-73992258272959322852008-01-29T23:46:00.000Z2008-01-30T00:10:34.983Z

All Quiet in the East Stand's 1,000th post - and thank heavens it's a happy one. Lloyd Sam used his head and got us the kind of win that perhaps I'd expected to see more of in the Championship - not particularly entertaining, but something fairly comfortable against dull opposition. Having just seen Tony Pulis (Tone, Tone, please, mate, ditch the baseball cap) call his team "honest lads" on Sky

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-78425952986077936932008-01-28T23:18:00.000Z2008-01-28T23:38:08.076Z

Enjoy the weekend off? I did, I went to Dartford to check out Princes Park, and I'll try to mention it properly another time, because it's bloody terrific what they've done down there.In the meantime, we're back in business on Tuesday against Stoke - be warned, unwary travellers, it's a bloody 7.45 kick-off. Because nobody has to get back from work, do they? I'm always a little surprised that

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-43021916261379519202008-01-20T22:00:00.000Z2008-01-20T22:36:27.589Z

A funny thought struck me in the rain at Watford last night. Darren Ambrose has been playing bloody well lately, hasn't he?Seriously, for a player who seems to have attracted stick almost every time he steps onto the field, he was absolutely immense for us yesterday. Chasing balls, setting up chances, taking his own chances... and being rewarded with a slightly-lucky equaliser which saw us take a

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-40496307056155128822008-01-19T11:58:00.000Z2008-01-19T12:03:27.285Z

Cracking news ahead of the trip to Watford, as Burnley striker Andy Gray signs on the dotted line for us, and could well be in the team at Vicarage Road..."I'm at the stage of my career where the chance to go to a club that had been in the Premier League for a long time, and has a great chance of getting back there, couldn't be ignored," he said. "Everyone wants to play in the Premier League,

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-44487682810467152042008-01-16T00:59:00.000Z2008-01-16T01:26:58.095Z

The nearest I got to watching any Cup action tonight was a brief glimpse inside the New Den from a passing train, as a I sped to spend my Tuesday night watching a friend of a friend make his comedy debut in a club above a West End pub. I knew we were a goal down, and with the interval coming at the end of the match, I made a quick call to see what the latest was."2-1 down? Well, at least we'll

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-70789122548076283672008-01-13T22:01:00.000Z2008-01-13T22:42:49.936Z

The first Charlton deal of the transfer window - and it's an exit, as we lose young striker James Walker to Southend for £200,000. Shrimpers chairman Ron Martin is puffing his cigar contentedly this evening:"James is someone we have identified as an excellent prospect. He has been out on loan over the past few years and during that time has continued to make fantastic progress."He set League One

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5499359.post-24676908818808009402008-01-13T21:06:00.000Z2008-01-13T22:01:38.378Z

So, good, wasn't it?The same 16 that were named against West Brom in the Cup lined up to face Blackpool, and the flowing stuff we saw against the Baggies really bloomed against the Seasiders. Every man played his part - great to see Darren Ambrose get a decent match under his belt, while Zheng Zhi and Kelly Youga were superb. Credit to Blackpool for playing a decent, fair game, but we were simply

Inspector Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12995788811195103429noreply@blogger.com